The Nintendo Switch is 5 years old this year. Since the original Switch debuted in 2017, we’ve seen the release of the Switch V2, the Switch Lite and the latest Nintendo Switch OLED. (Not to mention there could be another Switch on the way.) With all those options, deciding which one is best for your gaming needs can be complicated. Or even trickier: Which should you buy if you already own one of the other models?
While the Switch OLED looks like the best version, it’s not necessarily the right pick for everyone. Here’s my advice after testing and reviewing each model.
Making the upgrade call: Solo vs. group; TV vs. handheld; budget vs. splurge
The biggest factors to weigh out involve how you’re planning to use the Switch. This is how you’ll know Switch makes most sense for you, and they’re more important than any single spec.
Playing solo vs. friends and family: If you’re a solo gamer, you might be fine with a Switch Lite, especially if you’re playing in a cramped dorm room or at your cubicle. If you’re a little more liquid, the OLED Switch with the bigger screen is a luxury choice, and a must for TV-docking. But for families playing games, make sure you get a Switch that docks to a TV (sorry, Lite).
Almost always playing on a TV: If this is you, don’t get a Switch Lite. But also, if it’s all happening on the big screen, maybe you don’t need the OLED Switch either. Stick with the original.
Mainly handheld gaming: The Lite is portable and cheap, but handheld-only. The OLED model has a great screen, but it’s bigger and more expensive. Deciding whether you need that better screen could come down to whether you’re 70% handheld or 90% handheld.
Money’s no object: Then get the OLED Switch, obviously. (It’s not that expensive at $350, all things considered.)
Will there be a new Switch this year? Nintendo can’t seem to help coming up with new models of its handheld game hardware every other year or so. Reports of a graphics-upgraded 4K Switch still loom, maybe called the Switch Pro, or the Switch 2. Just a reminder that the OLED Switch almost certainly won’t be the final Switch. You could always just wait it out and be happy with the Switch you have (if you have one).
For more, check out why you shouldn’t worry about OLED screen burn-in on the Nintendo Switch and the best controllers for the Switch.
